Also if you want to run TMCC equipped units you must have at least one unit from Lionel in addition to the DCS TIU. Not sure which unit!
You need a Command Base and a cable to connect the TIU to the Command Base. You should also have access to a CAB-1 to program in features that you can not access in the DCS emulation of TMCC.
To operate MTH's DCS you will need the Track Interface Unit(TIU) usually comes with a handheld remote that uses AA batteries. To add switches or accessories you will need the Accessory Interface Unit(AIU), the handheld unit can then control your switches and accessories.
A word of caution by MTH: Never mix PS-1 and PS-2 locomotives and tenders or Diesel A & B units, run only PS-1 with PS-1 or PS-2 with PS-2! Other word of advice: always pull the charging plug from the battery for DCS equipped locomotives before using. I left the charging cable plugged in for two days and came back to run my MTH engine with PS-2 and pulled the cable with the train, NO auto cut-off feature when charging the battery!
Lee F.
The type of electronics in the loco are secondary to the remote. If you got a DCS set (remote and TIU) you will have full control of all the features in the PS-2 loco. These units normally retail in the $250-$300 range.
The Z-4000 remote commander only works with a Z-4000 and minics the control panel portion of the Z-4000. It uses 900mhz cordless phone technology and allows you to do anything you could from a Z-4000 remotely. This set (remote and receiver for the transformer) usually retails in the $80-$100 range.
The IR remote will work with any power supply and actually "talks" to an IR lock on. I guess it beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, but not by much.
Is this the infra-red unit for use with the Z-750/1000 or the the unit that is for the Z-4000 ?
The first one is strictly a line-of-site remote and the latter is not dependant on line of site. The latter remote is only useable with the Z-4000 and the first will only work with the Z-750/1000 and Realtrax. Possibly it could be "kitbashed" for other track and transformers but I really don't know.
Hope this helps.
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If your Shay is MTH and PS2 equipped and if you are purchasing MTH's DCS remote system then yes you will benefit from all the remote operations listed in the manuals. MTH's DCS remote system alone will not give you remote capability on just any old engine. Hope that helps somewhat.
Bruce Webster
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